“TAMS 3 is a hugely successful scheme, with payments of over €115 million issuing to farmers since payments commenced in June of last year. Over the first eight tranches, more than 45,000 applications were received, which is nearly three times the number received over the corresponding eight tranches in TAMS 2. All eligible applications received across those eight tranches have been approved, with the result that more than 39,000 approvals have issued to farmers to date, allowing them to proceed with their investments. This, again, is three times the number approved over the first eight tranches of TAMS 2.

“As I have previously indicated, TAMS 3 is operating within a very clearly defined financial profile over the course of the CAP Strategic Plan, and there is a limit to the amount of funding available. With this in mind, when I announced, in June this year, that all eligible applications in Tranche 8 would be approved, I also flagged that it may be necessary to apply ranking and selection to Tranche 9 and future tranches.

“A total of 6,122 applications were submitted in Tranche 9, which closed for applications on 5 September. This represents a further increase on the already record high average number of applications received over the first eight tranches, and brings the total number of applications received under TAMS 3 to date to 51,396. Accordingly, it is prudent now to introduce an element of ranking and selection to the approval process.”

“The number of applications and the level of funding provided to date under certain schemes, such as the Solar Capital Investment Scheme and the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme (LESS), have exceeded our expectations, to the extent that more than 40% of the TAMS budget is being spent on these two measures. On that basis, I have decided to focus on approvals for core on-farm investments at this time. I am acutely aware of the importance of measures to support on-farm safety, so I have decided to approve all eligible applications submitted under this measure. Similarly, I want to acknowledge the importance of continued investment in nutrient storage, attracting 60% grant aid support, which I introduced earlier this year. A total of 80% of eligible applications containing these investments will be approved in this tranche.”

“I am also setting out all the tranche closing dates for the coming year as I want to ensure that farmers and their advisors can plan proposed investments in a timely manner. The current Tranche 10 of TAMS 3 will close for applications on 5 December 2025, with upcoming 2026 tranches closing on 6 March 2026, 5 June 2026, 4 September 2026 and 4 December 2026.”

“I am also pleased to confirm that, from the tranche opening at the end of next week, grant aid support for the replacement of roofs will be available under the Farm Safety Measure of TAMS. The details of the requirements in relation to this investment will be published in early December. I would urge farmers to carry out a structural assessment of their farm buildings to ensure that all structures are able to withstand future weather events. Where structures are found not to be structurally sound, I would encourage farmers to undertake the necessary work to make the buildings safe.”

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Notes